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ALCOHOL
INTOXICATION
Main objective: To recognize the effects of
alcohol on the body
Specific objectives:
1. To enumerate the different stages of alcohol
intoxication and their features
2. To understand how alcohol intoxication is
diagnosed
3. To explain the role of the doctor in the
investigation of drinking and driving
References
1. Alcohol and Alcoholism. Lecture Notes.
Department of Forensic Medicine,
University of Dundee. 2.02.2011.
http://www.dundee.ac.uk/forensicmedicin
e/notes/alcohol.pdf
2. Alcohol in Simpson’s Forensic Medicine
by Shepherd R, 12th ed. (2003), p159-
163
Alcohol (ethanol, ethyl alcohol)
The most widely used drug
Small, water-soluble molecule that is evenly
distributed throughout the body water
Passes easily through the blood-barrier →
significant depressant effect on cerebral function
Direct toxic effects on the body tissues
Significant indirect effects – a common catalyst
in many assaults and homicides
Addictive drug
Absorption of Alcohol
Stomach (20%), duodenum & first part of
the jejunum (80%)
Empty stomach → liver circulation in 30-90
minutes
Elimination is through the liver & kidneys
→ blood alcohol concentration (BAC) will
depend on the rates of absorption and
elimination
Factors that affect absorption of alcohol
Factors that affect BAC
Concentration of alcohol
Optimum concentration for rapid absorption is about
20%
Alcohol in weak drinks (e.g., beer, wine) passes
slowly through the mucosa and into the bloodstream
Stronger drinks irritate the gastric mucosa →
production of excess mucus → coat the stomach
lining → physical barrier to absorption
Stronger drinks → spasm of the pylorus →
obstruction to emptying → delay in emptying,
absorption
Factors that affect absorption of alcohol
Factors that affect BAC
Suppression of
inhibition by the
cerebral cortex →
initial excitant effect
Depressant
Effects of Alcohol
Cortex: orderly social behavior (inhibitory)
Disinhibition,
talkativeness, show off; reduce
anxiety & pain
Limbic system: memory
Loss of memory, confusion, disorientation
Cerebellum: muscular coordination,
speech
Incoordination, slurring
Depressant
Effects of Alcohol
One-leg stand